Final days, donations needed for Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign

A local charity that helps a lot of families need your help.

More than $1 million still needs to be raised for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign in Milwaukee County in order to meet this year's goal.

Christmas Eve is the last day bell ringers will be out collecting donations.

“Tomorrow we’ll have bell ringers at as many locations we can possibly fill with volunteers and ringers and we're hoping that'll help bridge the gap," said Major Tim Meyer, Division Secretary for The Salvation Army Wisconsin & Upper Michigan.

So far, the organization has raised about $2.5 million. The goal is to bring in $3.8 million.

"We've been doing okay, some of our locations are behind last year's income, and overall we are quite a bit short of our goal at this point."

The division has been trying some new things, like a recent all-night bell ringing outside a local Walmart.

“We’re ringing bells here for 24 hours continuous,” said AJ Anguiano. “We have volunteers that are lined up to serve hot chocolate, we're handing out candy canes, singing Christmas carols, just trying to spread a little Christmas cheer."

Every dollar counts, according to volunteers. Money raised goes towards supporting more than 80 programs in the Milwaukee area.

"We have different programs such as Feed the Kids that goes all summer long, in the community in the county, we do backpacks for back to school, we do coats for children during winter time, we have an emergency shelter 24/7 for families that are homeless," said Major Tim.

Although Dec. 24 is the final day donations will be accepted at kettle sites, the Red Kettle Campaign will continue online until January 19, 2019. To support, visit: http://www.salvationarmywi.org/